Hollywood Star’s Family Drama: Grandfather Imprisoned on Goli Otok, Father Jailed for Fraud

Many fans often overlook the fact that Hollywood icon Milla Jovovich has deep roots in the Balkans. Born in Ukraine as Milica Bogdanovna Jovović, she carries a family history filled with both resilience and turmoil.

Her mother, Galina Oginova Jovovič, was an actress, while her father, Bogdan Jovović, was a doctor originally from Montenegro. Milla has previously opened up about her heritage, revealing that her grandparents fought in World War II.

The family’s past holds a darker chapter involving political persecution. The actress revealed that her grandfather spent time imprisoned on Goli Otok, a notorious political prison in the former Yugoslavia.

Trouble with the law didn’t end with that generation, unfortunately. In the 1990s, her father Bogdan faced serious legal issues after moving to the United States.

He attempted to build a massive business involving health insurance, but the venture went wrong. In 1994, he was sentenced to prison and ended up serving five years behind bars.

Despite these hardships, Milla has built a successful life and career, raising a family of her own. She is married to director Paul Anderson, and they have three daughters: Ever, Dashiel Edan, and Osian Lark Elliot.

She explained that her eldest daughter’s name, Ever, is actually an old Scottish male name chosen by her husband. Meanwhile, the nickname Gabo comes from combining the first letters of her parents’ names, Galina and Bogdan.

We are curious to hear your take on this intense family backstory, so please share your thoughts in the comments.